A Promise From God and Impossible Circumstances

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), January 8

God’s promise to Abraham requires a waiting period of twenty-five years. Barrenness of womb prevents the couple from doing for themselves what God had promised to do for them. The passing of twenty-five years taught them that a promise from God is a fulfillment by God.

Isaac learned this truth from his father and mother; therefore he prayed to God and waited twenty years for God to fulfill what He had promised, “Now Isaac pleaded with the LORD for his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” “Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them” (Gen. 25:21,26).

God’s choice to build a nation through the barren wombs of two women reveals a number of truths:

God’s promises do not require fertile circumstances or capable people through which to work. Therefore, unlikely circumcises provide ripe conditions for God’s activity.

A promise from God provides the recipient with an opportunity to see God do what only God can do.

A period of waiting often follows a promise from God. It tests and strengthens faith.

A promise from God produces that which most pleases God—faith,”But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).